MK Dons boss Mike Williamson expects a tough encounter against a “strong, physical and experienced” Carlisle United side this weekend.

And the manager of this weekend’s hosts has also spoken of his respect for Paul Simpson, with whom he worked at Newcastle United.

Williamson’s side have lost their first three games of the season in league and cup but the manager feels a win this weekend would settle everyone down at Stadium MK.

But he accepts it will not come easily against Simpson’s Blues.

“As a club a win will settle everyone down,” said former Gateshead boss Williamson in a pre-match press conference. “Maybe a couple of the lads as well.

“I’m not looking at any excuses [for the results so far]. I’m looking at a very tough test – we’re going to face a very strong, physical, experienced team and [it’s about] how we can hurt them.

“I’ve worked with their manager [Simpson] – he’s a hard worker, a good guy, he knows his stuff.

Mike Williamson, left, played at Newcastle during Paul Simpson's coaching spell thereMike Williamson, left, played at Newcastle during Paul Simpson's coaching spell there (Image: PA)

“For us it’s an incredible challenge. They’re looking to bounce straight back up and are a huge football club – we’re looking for our first win and we want to make sure we do it out way.”

Williamson said midfielder Liam Kelly faces a late fitness test ahead of the game while defender Laurence Maguire – brother of Manchester United and England man Harry – could make his debut after returning from injury.

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Nico Lawrence, Joe Pritchard, Matt Dennis and Jonathan Leko are likely to remain on the sidelines this weekend.

After league defeats to Bradford City and Colchester United, plus a Carabao Cup defeat to Watford, Williamson – who led MK to the play-off semi-finals last season – said: “We’re not making any excuses, performances haven’t been where we want them to be.

“We always talk about stacking the odds so far in our favour that any counter attacks or refereeing decisions don’t hurt us, but we haven’t managed to get the points on the board that we’ve wanted.

“Everyone is in good spirits. We’re not far off, we know that, but we’ve just got to make sure we come out on the right side of a performance.”